FEHD Releases August Gravidtrap and Density Indexes for Aedes Albopictus Across Ten Survey Areas

FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 10) released the first batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering 10 survey areas, as follows:

District

Survey Area

First Phase Gravidtrap Index

First Phase Density Index

Kwun Tong

Yau Tong and Cha Kwo Ling

0.0%

N/A

Sham Shui Po

Lai Chi Kok

5.4%

1.3

Wong Tai Sin

Wong Tai Sin East

4.2%

1.5

North

Fanling North

0.0%

N/A

Sai Kung

Sai Kung Town

3.8%

1.0

Sha Tin

Sha Tin East

6.5%

1.0

Kwai Tsing

Lai King

9.8%

1.4

Tsuen Wan

Sheung Kwai Chung

7.3%

1.5

Tsuen Wan West

0.0%

N/A

Yuen Long

Hung Shui Kiu and Ping Shan

2.1%

1.0

During the rainy season, the FEHD continues to carry out a series of measures, including:

• interdepartmental collaboration: convening special meetings of the interdepartmental task forces on anti-mosquito work to co-ordinate relevant departments and stakeholders (such as construction site contractors, schools and property management companies) in strengthening mosquito control work at venues;

• precise risk assessments: carrying out intensive and targeted mosquito control work at locations with more serious mosquito infestations, including stepping up inspections, eliminating mosquito breeding and potential breeding grounds, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at appropriate locations;

• promotion and education: organising exhibitions with relevant departments and stakeholders, and distributing leaflets and posters to enhance public awareness of mosquito control and prevention; and

• rapid alert mechanism: notifying residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, and advising property management companies and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the premises;

• remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;

• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;

• change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;

• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;

• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and

• scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The Gravidtrap and Density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department's webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 10) released the first batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering 10 survey areas. Photo shows a robotic dog carrying out an FEHD anti-mosquito fogging operation at a woodland in the vicinity of Lai King, Kwai Tsing District. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 10) released the first batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering 10 survey areas. Photo shows an FEHD staff member delivering a talk on mosquito control and prevention in a hospital in Sheung Kwai Chung, Tsuen Wan District, providing the hospital staff with advice on mosquito prevention and control. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 10) released the first batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering 10 survey areas. Photo shows an FEHD staff member inspecting a private housing estate in Fanling North, North District, and providing advice and technical support on mosquito prevention and control. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Various activities and offers to be launched for National Ecology Day 2026

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and non-governmental organisations will launch various special activities and offers from August to September for the public to support and participate in the National Ecology Day (NED) 2026.

In 2023, the country designated August 15 every year as NED, with a view to promoting society's awareness of ecological civilisation and environmental protection, and implementing the important concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets".

The Hong Kong Wetland Park will offer free admission and guided tours for the public on August 15. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will organise a series of ecological activities to promote nature conservation, enabling members of the public to explore local wildlife and learn about Hong Kong's beautiful and unique natural ecology. The activities will include four ecological guided tours at Shing Mun Country Park and the Lions Nature Education Centre, a night-time session at Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve to share tips on firefly watching with the public, free public guided tours at Long Valley Nature Park, and a number of guided tours on the exploration of marine ecology. The AFCD will also hold a roving exhibition entitled "Marine Parks 30th Anniversary" at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum.

On the same day, members of the public who recycle through the Environmental Protection Department's GREEN@COMMUNITY community recycling network, including smart recycling bins, will earn double GREEN$ points. This offer does not apply to food waste recycling. More than 30 non-governmental organisations will also provide a range of special activities and offers, including free admission to facilities, free ecological guided tours, night tours, workshops and talks.

In addition, the Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) under the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) will hold an NED thematic exhibition at The Corner, an indoor space on the ground floor of the East Kowloon Cultural Centre, from September 1 to 6. Through a variety of interactive experiences, the exhibition will enhance public knowledge of and concern for nature conservation and environmental protection in Hong Kong. The CCO will also organise a sharing session and performance on September 5, featuring "Cellphone Soundscape & Movement", composed by internationally renowned musician Tan Dun. Accompanied by a live harmonica and violin performance, the work will showcase the cultural heritage and natural landscapes of the remote villages around Yan Chau Tong. An internationally renowned fine-art landscape photographer will also be invited to share photographs taken at Yan Chau Tong, highlighting the beautiful scenery of Mirs Bay.

A spokesman for the EEB said, "The HKSAR Government appeals to the public for active participation in the activities of NED. We hope that these activities will help enhance the public's consciousness of and involvement in nature conservation and environment protection. We are also grateful to all participating organisations for providing special activities and offers."

Details of the relevant special activities and offers have been uploaded to the website of the CCO (cco.gov.hk/en/event-calendar/ned) and the Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub website of the AFCD (bih.gov.hk/en/education-programmes/programmes/index.html). Members of the public may also obtain information on the relevant exhibition, performances and sharing session through the NED thematic webpageat cco.gov.hk/en/news/ned-2026-exhibition.

Source: AI-found images